Mr Alemao, while responding to the issues raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party leader in the House, Mr Manohar Parrikar, further said the committee would be headed by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, and that he along with the opposition leader would be the members and that other MLAs whose constituencies would be affected would be on the committee.
He said the government did not want the people to be affected and their houses demolished and that it would take all steps to save them, even as he said that it was necessary to construct a second bridge over River Zuari at earliest, along with bridges at Talpona and Galgibag. He also stated that the expert have opined that the lifespan of the present Zuari bridge was between 6-7 years and that it has been declared a weak bridge.
Earlier moving the resolution, Mr Parrikar said the government should finalise the widening of both the National Highways in consultation with those who were impacted and that they be constructed to bypass cities and villages. He said that different versions have been put forth by different ministers in the government and that government should clear the air.
The opposition leader further said that there was ambiguity whether toll would be charged for those who use the National Highways, even as he demanded that there should not be any toll. He said that proposed widening would divide the villages besides causing noise pollution and that all these issues needed to be discussed threadbare and appropriate actions taken to redress the issues.
He also said the authorities should demand for a new bridge over River Mandovi, adding that the central authorities have not planned a bridge over Mandovi and have decided to repair the existing bridges to be used as part of NH 17, which he further stated would cause bottleneck.
Mr Pandurang Madkaikar wanted the government to come clear on the width of the proposed highways. Others who participated in the discussion were Mr Pandurang Dhavlikar and Dilip Parulekar.
The resolution was, however, withdrawn following the assurance by the PWD Minister that a House committee would go through all aspects.
The PWD Minister also assured the St Cruz MLA, Ms Victoria Fernandes that a community hall would be constructed at Merces in her constituency to provide facilities for public functions, cultural programmes and other creative activities.
Responding to another resolution moved by the Mandrem MLA, Mr Laxmikant Parsekar seeking to replace old conductors in Pernem taluka, the Power Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira assured that the work on replacing old conductors would be taken up on priority and completed in six months from the date of award of work order.
Ms Fernandes and Mr Parsekar withdrew the resolutions following the assurances given by the respective ministers.
